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Sysmon

Tool manual · Kali & common usage

Forensics · Intermediate · Forensics lane

IntermediateEndpoint Telemetry
Authorized usage only. Capture and inspect traffic only on systems and networks you own or have written permission to analyze.

What is Sysmon?

Sysmon (Sysinternals) records detailed Windows process, network, and file events.

Endpoint telemetry for detection engineering and IR on Windows labs/enterprise.

Official website: Sysmon · Documentation

When do you use it?

  • You need Detailed Windows event logging for processes, network and files.
  • You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for Sysmon.
  • You already tried simpler checks and need this tool’s deeper capability.

Who uses it?

  • DFIR analysts
  • SOC / blue team
  • Malware analysts

How do you use it? (typical flow)

  1. Install Sysmon using the steps below (prefer Kali package or official installer).
  2. Confirm you have authorization for the target (lab VM, own system, or written scope).
  3. Run --help / man (or the Help section) to see current flags for your version.
  4. Start with a safe example from Basic commands against localhost or an authorized lab target.
  5. Record what you ran, what you observed, and any follow-up (filter, report, remediation).

Help & manual (like man / --help)

Every serious tool has a built-in way to look up flags. Learn these first so you are not stuck memorizing every option.

  1. 1. Docs

    https://learn.microsoft.com/sysinternals/downloads/sysmon

Kali Linux

Windows tool — run on Windows lab VMs, not inside Kali. Analyze exported EVTX from Kali if needed.

1. Installation

OSInstallation
Kali LinuxWindows tool — run on Windows lab VMs, not inside Kali. Analyze exported EVTX from Kali if needed.
OfficialSee official docs: https://learn.microsoft.com/sysinternals/downloads/sysmon

2. Basic commands

  1. 1. Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

    sysmon64 -accepteula -i config.xml

    Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

  2. 2. Show help

    sysmon64 --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. 3. Short help

    sysmon64 -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. 4. List all options

    --help / -h

    List all options

Options / flags

OptionPurpose
--help / -hList all options

5. Useful features

  • Core workflow and interface
  • Reading and interpreting output
  • Key configuration options
  • Integrating into a professional workflow

6. Practical examples

  1. Example 1: Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

    sysmon64 -accepteula -i config.xml

    Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

  2. Example 2: Show help

    sysmon64 --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. Example 3: Short help

    sysmon64 -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. Example 4: List all options

    --help / -h

    List all options

7. Important notes

  • Sysmon is used by professionals for legitimate defense, testing and research.
  • Authorized targets only — labs, systems you own, or written permission.
  • Prefer reading --help / man / official docs for your installed version; flags change over time.

Related course: digital forensics incident response · Commands: /commands